“So, we start with awareness…”
ALLIÉ: For those who have suffered in silence with trauma for so long, what advice would you give? How does one begin on this journey to experience healing through expression?
LAURA: I will share with you authentically, transparently. 13 years later, I sometimes still find myself challenged and suffer in silence. I think of the many, different examples of invisible trauma. How do we communicate with that person? Are we sensitive and allowing our energetic tentacles and dendrites to pick up on another person's suffering?
So, what would I say? How would I say it? First, I'd feel it. I'm reminded that we communicate subconsciously in both verbal and nonverbal ways. A gentle way to consider is maybe I would begin by sitting quietly with them, letting them know its okay if they do or do not want to talk right now. Would they like to create something? Listen to music? Share with them that I as a fellow traveler I may not know what is actually going on with them yet I’m feeling they might be in pain or discomfort. I would share I don't know what it is, and I don't necessarily need to know if they're not comfortable sharing. But if they are…We’re here. We care.
We're Artists for Trauma. We hope people never need us, but if they do we're here and they can trust us. We will honor their confidentiality, and we're here to support and creatively empower them. If they're comfortable, please reach out to us. I just hope that that they do. If we might not be a good fit for them we are happy to share other healing resources with them. So, let’s start with awareness… Start at the beginning, a new beginning, be kind, sensitive, mindful, gentle, show you care… share HOPE. ∎
Awareness Ties is honored to recognize Artists for Trauma as a ‘Partner In Cause’. We proudly stand beside them to raise awareness one story at a time. We support their mission and support trauma survivors with integrity and authenticity through artistry.
AFT is dedicated to enriching the lives of both civilian and military trauma survivors by pairing recovering patients with established artists from various creative disciplines. Learn more online: www.artistsfortrauma.com
Artists For Trauma…where Recovery is an Art
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19 AWARENOW / THE RIGHTS EDITION
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